Citizens Union Congratulates Melissa Mark-Viverito on Selection as Next Speaker of New York City Council
January 8, 2014 - Calls on members of the council to embrace reforms to create a more democratic body and strong, effective speaker.
Statement on the Mayor’s Judicial Appointments by Citizens Union, the Fund for Modern Courts and the New York City Bar Association
December 17, 2013 - Three Civic Groups urge Mayor-Elect de Blasio to continue merit selection process for city judges begun by Mayor Koch.
Citizens Union Praises Speaker Quinn and City Council for Passage of New Lobbying Laws
December 10, 2013 Reforms will increase transparency and tighten oversight to further ensure a healthy democracy.
Reformers Urge Action on Moreland Commission Recommendations
December 9, 2013 - Stating that the board of elections “must go,” groups call for new campaign finance enforcement agency to regulate and enforce campaign finance laws for both public and private financing of elections.
Citizens Union Names its Top Ten List of Surprising and Shocking Findings from Moreland Commission Report
December 4, 2013 - We at Citizens Union know that corruption and influence peddling are widespread, but the Moreland Commission did a great job bringing to light specific details of how wrongdoing – even when it is legal - takes place in our state capitol.
Moreland Commission Report Details Extent Of State Corruption
December 3, 2013 - Citizens Union welcomes broad scope of recommendations.
Citizens Union Hails Mayor Bloomberg’s Signing Of Law To Webcast City Agency Meetings
December 2, 2013 - Measure an important milestone for greater transparency in city government.
Citizens Union Announces Majority Support In New York City Council For Long-needed Council Rules Reforms
November 20, 2013 - Widespread support exists to address even those personal benefits often prized by councilmembers - reduce number of committees, limit “Lulus” to leadership positions, and create a more equitable and needs-based discretionary funding process.
Citizens Union Announces Majority Support in New York City Council for Long-Needed Council Rules Reforms
November 20, 2013 - Widespread Support Exists to Address Even Those Personal Benefits Often Prized by Councilmembers - Reduce Number of Committees, Limit “Lulus” to Leadership Positions, and Create a More Equitable and Needs-Based Discretionary Funding Process
Citizens Union Applauds Passage Of City Council Legislation To Webcast City Agency Meetings
November 14, 2013 - Measure an important milestone for greater transparency in City Government.
Citizens Union Champions New Lobbying Reforms Before City Council
November 7, 2013 - Legislation and resolution sponsored by Mayor and speaker increase transparency and tighten oversight to further ensure a healthy democracy. Legislation results from 2011 city lobbying commission report includes many Citizens Union recommendations.
Citizens Union Announces Endorsements For 2013 General Election Contests For Borough President, District Attorney & City Council
October 25, 2013 - Endorses Eric Adams, Melinda Katz and James Oddo in borough president races and Ken Thompson and Cy Vance for district attorney. Supports the re-Election of councilmember Mark Weprin; favors Republicans John Quaglione, David Storobin and Steven Matteo in 3 competitive races, among its 8 total council endorsements.
Citizens Union Opposes Proposal To Raise Retirement Age For Certain State Judges
October 22, 2013 - Good Government Group believes constitutional amendment is misplaced reform.
Electeds & Advocates Call For Instant Runoff Voting To Replace Runoff Election At Polls
October 2, 2013 - Council members Lander & Brewer, Comptroller Liu, other electeds & candidates, & election experts join Citizens Union to support instant runoff voting.
New Report Highlights Albany Spending In The Shadows
September 24, 2013 - “Grab Bags” of loosely defined funds invite corruption.
Instant Runoff Voting Could Stop Expensive, Low-Turnout Runoff Elections
September 11, 2013 - Citizens Union calls on the City Council to pass IRV legislation.
Last Minute Voter? Gotham Gazette Has A Guide To Help
September 6, 2013 - Everything last minute voters need to know, all in one place.
Citizens Union’s Primary Election Voters Directory Now Available Online
September 3, 2013 - Election resource empowers voters, holds candidates accountable.
Citizens Union Prefers Bill Thompson As Democratic Nominee And Joe Lhota As Republican Nominee For Mayor
August 27, 2013 - Daniel Squadron and Scott Stringer win group’s support for public advocate and Comptroller.
Stop And Frisks Need To Be Used Less Frequently And More Judiciously
August 26, 2013 - Urges mayoral candidates to make clear what specific policies would be put in place to ensure stop and frisk practice complies with judge’s ruling and federal monitor.
Citizens Union Announces First Round Of Preferences For 2013 Primary Elections
August 26, 2013 - Prefers Gale Brewer for Manhattan BP, Melinda Katz for Queens BP, and Ken Thompson for Brooklyn DA. Supports the re-Election of councilmembers Jumaane Williams, Melissa Mark-Viverito and Donovan Richards; supports Carlos Menchaca over incumbent Sara González, and issues no preference in two other Council contests.
One-stop Nonpartisan Guide To NYC 2013 Elections Now Available Online
August 13, 2013 - Citizens Union Foundation and Gotham Gazette announce GothamVotes2013.
Bipartisan Election Reform Enacted In Albany Yesterday
June 21, 2013 - New Election Night Closing Procedures Will Mean Faster and More Transparent Vote Counting.
Citizens Union Issues Four Recommendations To Improve Jcope Deliberations
May 28, 2013 - Vito Lopez Scandal Highlights Need to Fix Flawed Voting Procedures and Increase Transparency. Calls On State Leaders to Address Legislatively this Session as Part of Anti-Corruption Reforms.
Good Government & Civil Rights Groups In New York Oppose Lever Machines Returning New York State To The Past
May 22, 2013 - Good government groups issued this statement today voicing their strenuous opposition to S.4088-B (Golden/No Number Yet in the Assembly), a bill that would authorize the New York City Board of Elections (City Board) to use mechanical lever voting machines in and for any non-federal elections. The bill has passed the Senate and the Assembly is seriously considering a return to lever machines.